State 16s MVP, WA captain headline U16 All-Australian teamTuesday, July 29, 2025 - 2:00 PM - by Jordan McArdle

Western Australia is well represented in this year’s Under-16s All-Australian team after coming within a goal of winning the national carnival.

A trio of West Aussies made the squad, headlined by co-captain Axel Walsh and MVP James Artemis.

Subiaco ball magnet Angus Abbonizio also made the cut after getting better with each game, earning a spot on the interchange.

WA finished a close second to Vic Metro in the AFL National Under-16s Championship with wins over South Australia and Vic Country to go with a three-point loss to Metro.

The 201cm East Perth giant Walsh was named in the ruck, despite missing the final game with a knee injury.

Walsh averaged 21.5 disposals, 27 hit-outs and four tackles across the first two games of the championship including a massive performance in the opener to help get WA over the line after a slow start in the wet against South Australia at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

East Fremantle product Artemis was a consistent two-way contributor in WA’s midfield, averaging more than 17 disposals to go with nearly nine tackles and five clearances.

Abbonizio averaged 24 disposals, five inside 50s and five tackles in his three appearances and kept improving his output.

The Subi young gun was best-afield effort in the final-game win over Vic Country with a game-high 32 disposals, eight inside 50s and seven clearances.

“James was our most consistent throughout the whole carnival,” WA under-16s coach Mick Glassborow said.

“The goal that he kicked at quarter-time against Vic Metro provided a real spark for us and got us back into the game.

“His ability to run and carry was excellent and he’s a really coachable kid.

“Axel really stood tall as co-captain and led from the front.

“The way he stood up against South Australia and took some strong marks in the back half when the game was there to be won was really telling.

“Then against Vic Metro, he got back onto the ground to compete after getting injured late which showed how tough and mature he is for a young kid.

“Gus really stepped up when we needed a mature body and just showed his class.

“He was able to win some important contests and his showed ability to get forward and hit the scoreboard.”

Glassborow said while the trio were deserving of All-Australian honours, there were several others who should consider themselves unlucky.

“There’s several guys who would’ve been right in the mix as well,” he said.

“That was one of the most pleasing parts of the carnival, everyone had their moments and stepped up at different times.

“It was a great group and it showed in our results, we were just a kick away from being undefeated after falling just short against Vic Metro.”